Categorizing a Homicide

This flow chart is designed to walk you through the process of categorizing a homicide, starting with the question of whether the homicide was intentional. If so, there are only two options: voluntary manslaughter or intent to kill murder (usually first-degree murder under modern statutes). If not, ask if the killing occurred during the commission of an inherently dangerous felony. If so, it is probably best categorized as felony murder. If not, it will be either depraved heart murder or involuntary manslaughter.